The Best Vacation Spots for Stargazing

Mackinaw City, Michigan

The Headlands was declared as one of only 10 official Dark Sky Parks in the world by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), an organization dedicated to preserving the nighttime environment. Get there at dusk to catch monthly sunset picnics led by resident star expert Mary Stewart Adams. These unique campfire meals are free and feature folk and fairy tales that she's tailored to each night's celestial makeup.

Hilo, Hawaii

The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station atop the 9,300-foot perch of Hawaii's tallest mountain, Mauna Kea, hosts a nightly stargazing program featuring a cosmic tour of the universe -- with an astronomer pointing out stars and constellations with a green laser beam. Don't miss the 13,796-foot summit: It's home to 13 of the world's largest telescopes. Bonus: The show is free!

Grab a Bite: On the drive up to Mauna Kea, detour to nearby Waimea to try the regional cuisine of Merriman's, which gets much of its produce and seafood from local sources. The spicy fish taco with guacamole and charred tomato salsa are a must ($13).

Flagstaff, Arizona

Founded in 1894, Lowell Observatory still houses its first permanent telescope, the Clark, used to discover the expanding universe. Each year, 80,000 visitors come to learn how the solar system formed. The lesson features a multimedia show, combining stargazing and the music of Mannheim Steamroller. Flagstaff became the IDA's first international Dark Sky City after enforcing ordinances to reduce artificial-light glare with great effects. The lesson is $11 for adults and $4 for kids.

Coudersport, Pennsylvania

At Cherry Springs State Park, serious stargazers often stay up all night taking in the 360-degree views of Astronomy Observation Field. Strict no-lights-allowed rules improve conditions and make it ideal for spotting falling stars -- meteor showers can bring as many as 60 an hour! At the Night Sky Viewing area, visitors can revel in views of the Milky Way and identify other constellations with the backlit summer-sky map. A view from the Astronomy Observation Field is $12.

Bryce Canyon, Utah

At Bryce Canyon National Park, the canyon's pink and orange rock formations create a surreal backdrop for viewing 7,500 stars from this park's remote location. Need help? Bryce Canyon's Dark Rangers -- expert volunteers and staff -- are at the ready to help you find the Big Dipper. Don't miss the 12th Annual Astronomy Festival (May 17 - 20), where visitors can see model-rocket launches and peer through more than 50 telescopes, with a grand finale of a rare annular solar eclipse, in which the moon is this close to covering the sun. Take in the views from your car for $25 for a weeklong pass.

Grab a Bite: Pizza Place, a local favorite, is a 10-minute drive away. Try the BBQ Chicken Pizza Family Special ($25) on the outdoor patio for wow-worthy views of Aquarius Plateau.